A private jet crashed in Bangor, Maine, killing seven people and seriously injuring a crew member. The Bombardier Challenger 650 flipped onto its roof and burst into flames just after takeoff on Sunday night.
The disaster occurred amid a brutal snowstorm that was causing widespread disruption across the US East Coast and Canada. Eyewitnesses reported seeing the jet roll over in midair before it crashed.
Air traffic controllers struggled to manage the situation amid icy runways and zero visibility. One controller described the chilling moment, saying, “Aircraft upside down. We have a passenger aircraft upside down,” as the incident unfolded.
Bangor International Airport has been shut down and will remain closed until Tuesday while authorities conduct a thorough investigation into the crash. The jet’s registered owner is linked to an address in Houston associated with the law firm Arnold & Itkin.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has launched a full-scale investigation. Officials will document the crash scene and remove the wreckage for detailed examination.
The region continues to be battered by a winter storm, with Bangor under a winter storm warning. Up to 16 inches of snow has fallen, and temperatures have dropped below -5°C. Across the US and Canada, ongoing snowstorms have grounded flights and stranded travellers.
This tragic crash highlights the severe challenges and dangers pilots face when operating in extreme weather conditions.
Originally published by UKNIP.
